Market steadies despite drought concerns
WEST PLAINS, MO., Apr. 8, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls sold steady to $2 higher at the Ozarks Regional Stockyard. Demand was good on a moderate supply. Total receipts were 511 head. Much needed rain fell over the weekend but still not enough to ease drought concerns. Choice boxed beef closed on Wednesday at $379.66 which is $14.76 lower than a week ago. Negotiated fed cattle prices have gained almost $10 this past week.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $240/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $205/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top pairs sold for $4,700.
• The top bred cows sold for $4,200/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $177.93/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $177.22/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $157.74/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $206.15/cwt.
Calf prices surge on good demand
WEST PLAINS, MO., Apr. 7, 2026 — Compared to last week, steer calves over 550 lbs. were $8 to $12 higher with lighter weight steers $15 to $20 higher at the Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Heifer calves were $10 to $20 higher. Demand was very good on a moderate supply of 2,025 head. Rain over the weekend was helpful but not enough to calm drought concerns. The CME Cattle Futures traded lower and had little or no effect on the cash markets as most all weight ranges saw good gains.
Market Highlights
• The quality of the offering was above average with several load size drafts in the offering.
• The largest draft of the day was 270 head of 578 lb. steers which sold for $490/cwt.
• Another stick-out draft was 20 head of steers weighing 711 lbs. which sold for $428/cwt.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 428-446 lbs (440 lbs avg): Averaged $602.92.
◦ 505-543 lbs (519 lbs avg): Averaged $544.80.
◦ 618-648 lbs (629 lbs avg): Averaged $461.62.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 400-439 lbs (423 lbs avg): Averaged $535.59.
◦ 500-542 lbs (523 lbs avg): Averaged $453.62.
◦ 622-633 lbs (628 lbs avg): Averaged $412.69.
Heavy video auction supply met with good demand
WEST PLAINS, MO., Apr. 7, 2026 — Demand was good on a heavy supply for this Video Auction held in conjunction with ORS' feeder cattle sale. A total of 936 head were reported sold. All cattle offered are in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi. All deliveries are current through April 30. Current deliveries are cattle that will be delivered up to 14 days from the video sale date.
Video Auction Highlights
• South Central Steers (M&L 1): Current delivery (940 lbs avg) sold for $331/cwt.
• South Central Steers (M&L 1-2): Current delivery (840 lbs avg) sold for $354/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1): * Current delivery (900 lbs avg) sold for $338/cwt.
◦ Current delivery (1,000 lbs avg) sold for $313/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1): * Current delivery (650 lbs avg) sold for $380/cwt.
◦ Current delivery (750 lbs avg) sold for $347/cwt.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News MO Dept of Ag Market News - Dan Hill, Market Reporter Jefferson City, MO | (573) 751-5618 www.ams.usda.gov/lpgmn
